Key Idea: Love and passion for sports enhances understanding of the game.
Technical Guides for Sports Writing
General Principles
Writing in sports is similar to other writing categories.
Understanding the game is crucial; one doesn't need to be an athlete.
Writing Components
Headline
Rule 1: Follow SVO format (Subject-Verb-Object).
Example: "Serbia upsets Brazil in FIBB finals"
Rule 2: Use active voice (present tense) in English headlines; use past tense in Filipino.
English Example: "defeat, beat, destroy"
Filipino Example: "pinata, nilampaso, sinunkit"
Lead
Most important part; should summarize key points in one paragraph.
Rule 1: One sentence, one paragraph.
Details to include:
Winning team/player
Reason for the win
Losing team/player
Score
Name of tournament/event
Venue
Date of game
Rule 2: For Filipino writing, start with the verb.
Be cautious with wording, especially when describing close scores.
Example of Lead Writing
English Example: "Emus bombers came away victorious after taking down the host Das Mourinho's spikers in their game one of the best of three series..."
Filipino Example: "Thailand and second seated in South Korea 2-0 so 29 Kings Cup..."
Structuring the Article
Second Paragraph (Supporting Lead)
Include statistics and contributions from top players.
Individual sports have a different structure (badminton, tennis, boxing).
Third Paragraph
Include quotes from players or coaches.
Fourth to Tenth Paragraphs
Describe highlights of sets, quarters, or rounds.
Focus on strategies and significant moments.
Follow the format of one sentence per paragraph.
Eleventh Paragraph
Detail statistics and contributions of the best player from the losing team.
Twelfth Paragraph
Include any additional quotes or interviews from the losing team.
Final Paragraph
Wrap up the article with concluding thoughts.
Conclusion
Emphasis on the importance of structure and detail in sports writing.
Good luck to everyone in their sports writing endeavors!